01/13/2012

Mimi’s Bloomers…the Preliminary Layout?

So I am busy planning this year’s Block of the Month and I had a little brainstorm. The last two years the BOM has had pretty much the same layout plus or minus and appliqué border. This year I thought I might try an on-point layout. The pictures are preliminary photoshop examples. The one at the top has no small border. The one below does. Any thoughts?

In this layout there are 16 blocks, all 9” x 9”. I think that I will only do 12 so some will have to be repeated...BUT just look at all that lovely room for pretty quilting!

As most of you know, this blog is very “real time”, which means that things evolve. Right now I’m kinda digging the on-point layout. Look for more info next week!

I like the one with the small inner borders but it would be easy enough to do either way if someone doesn't want those borders.

The layout looks awesome. I'm wondering if I'm biting off too much. I've really only done a little raw edge applique but I want to try another method. I've got the pattern for the center block, so maybe I should try it before I decide on the whole quilt. Or maybe I'm just freaking myself out and I should stop over thinking it. :-)

I like the first layout without the narrow border sashings. Being a longarm quilter for years now, narrow sashing is lovely but it's a pain to quilt. Not much room for designs so I would probably SID or freehand pebbles those take a steady hand an most of all lots of time. I would rather spend that time making beautiful feathers in those awesome triangles! No one ever appreciates SID but your eyes always see those feathers! No matter which you decide Mimi is going to be a wonderful BOM...Whooo-Hooo!!

Erin you are so talented. I love the layout...actually like both. I think it's perfect because I was contemplating a dark background but wasn't sure about the blocks on a dark background. Now I can do the blocks on a light background with dark for the setting pieces. I love it. Can't wait to start.

I'm with Lorraine, the 12 could be the three on each side and then you could do one more design for all four corners. A repeat of a motif from the center block would tie it all together. You could actually sell it as part of the center block pattern, to be used by those that want it, or not. If someone does not want to do the center block they would have no need of the corners either as they could just do a 3x4 layout of the 12 BOM, so it makes sense.

My personal preference is for the no-sash setting because I see making Mimi's Bloomers using the same fabrics in each block. If deciding to be wildly scrappy, using many fabrics and textures, a sash in one color adds unity. Either version is lovely.

I, too, like Lorraine's idea. Maybe you could do it and show us how it would look. Do you do your in Electric Quilt? I LOVE, LOVE, that program! It has saved me tons of time and wasted money, showing me that an idea sounded good, but looked awful. I'm looking forward to doing Mimi's Bloomers!

I like the top the best, also. I like the idea of the 4 corners being the same block. For the person who has done only raw edge applique. What's wrong with doing Erin's block that way. Or as I am now having to do( perm. hand injury). I turn it under and do my stitches by machine. On the first BOM I used invisible thread and on "Twits" I'm using decorative stitches. I love the added deminsion to the applique.

Erin...love the on-pint setting! the extra space in the triangles yearn for feathers. Personally, I like both examples but would lean towards the thin border on the blocks.
I also like the idea of making a "13th" block as the 4 corners with the center block being the theme for them. But whatever you wish, is fine with me. The name of the quilt is clever, I like it. This is a great gift you are giving us!

I like the on point setting and prefer the small inner border. As someone mentioned, if the blocks are scrappy then the small border of one color helps tie it all together. I like making small flange borders or piped ones. they really add a spark. Twelve different designs and 4 corners alike seems like a doable plan.

I probablly wouldn't do it with the border on the block, because the block itself would be enough... BUT>..there is enough space on the blue to do a LOT of decorative stitching with the quilting which is NICE!